Israeli cybersecurity firm Anjuna raises $25 million to advance confidential computing technology
The rise of generative AI models has attracted interest for a number of different applications, but both businesses and individuals increasingly rely on cloud-based services while training and deploying AI, which increases the risk of security breaches and data leaks. Anjuna, based in Palo Alto, California, aims to reduce that risk using a process called confidential computing in its Seaglass architecture, creating virtual data exchange boxes that protect data while it’s being accessed. This allows for tasks such as training AI models, analyzing sensitive information, or collaborating on research while reducing the threat of hacks, data breaches, or leaks.
Anjuna, founded by Ayal Yogev and Yan Michalevsky in 2018, recently announced it has raised $25 million in a series B2 funding round led by M Ventures, SineWave Ventures, and AI Capital Partners. This brings the company’s total investment to $67 million. The funding will be used to further develop the new AI Clean Rooms feature, which is currently in an early version available to select clients. Yogev, who studied electrical engineering and computer science at Tel-Aviv University and held management positions in enterprise security, aims to make confidential computing more accessible by the end of the year.
Confidential computing has conventionally been hardware-focused, but Anjuna aims to simplify the process of building the necessary encryption in software, which requires deep knowledge of the system stack. This enables the creation of secure virtual rooms where companies can collaborate on AI projects without sharing sensitive data, making it easier for businesses to take advantage of advanced AI models. Anjuna’s compatibility with multiple types of hardware sets it apart in the market, according to technology advisor Wayne Duso. The company’s goal is to make confidential computing the next big enabler in the industry.
The compatibility of Anjuna’s platform with different types of hardware and its seamless integration into the development process sets it apart from other solutions. By making the process of securing and deploying code easier for developers, Anjuna aims to revolutionize how businesses engage with each other, particularly in industries such as healthcare and financial services. Laura Martinez, director of security marketing at NVIDIA, highlighted the potential of confidential computing to encourage collaboration on projects without the fear of losing sensitive data, which could lead to new opportunities for innovation. Yogev envisions a future where confidential computing is the standard environment for businesses, making it easier for companies to collaborate and share data securely.
Anjuna’s focus on confidential computing and its development of the AI Clean Rooms feature demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing secure solutions for businesses and individuals working with AI models. By addressing the compatibility issues in existing confidential computing solutions and simplifying the process for developers, Anjuna aims to make confidential computing more accessible and widely adopted. As the company continues to expand its go-to-market strategy and offer its features to a broader market, the future of confidential computing looks promising, with potential benefits for industries looking to collaborate on projects without compromising sensitive data.
